PLEASE PASS ON A COPY OF COMMUTER CHRONICLES
Commuter Chronicles

December 2006 | Volume 1 | Issue 22

Planning Ahead

In this issue:

• From the Desk of Dr. M...
• Something to Think About
• Feature Article
• Pass it On...
• Health Tips
• Cost Cutters
• Dr. M Recommends
• What's Happening

FROM THE DESK OF DR. M...

What better way to end 2006 and get ready for 2007 than by reviewing, updating and planning. We get a chance to start new, give up anything that didn’t work, and bring what went well into the New Year.

I love the story about the American executives who went to Japan to share information and skills. They were at a planning meeting. The Americans described their very successful tactic that included one, three and five year plans. The Japanese appeared stumped. “But, honorable sirs,” one said, “Where is your hundred year plan?”

Older cultures are so much more aware of their impact on the future.

In this issue, we look at ways to make ’07 a success in every area. Just because you commute doesn’t mean your life can’t have quality. And that’s what Commuter-Assist is all about, quality in every part of life.

First, a look back. In 2006, Commuter-Assist was launched after I became aware of the great stress and negative effects of commuting on the commuter, the community, and the corporation and the lack of services available to help commuters in their daily challenge.

Ride shares and public transportation is the important backbone of services to commuters, but without addressing the stress and disruption that long commutes pose, the quality of life continues to be poor. This is the main impetus for Commuter-Assist, to show commuters how to have that brilliant life.

Our bi-monthly newsletter and monthly teleclass series was launched this year as well. The response has been almost overwhelming.

Conquer the Commute: Tools for the Road and Life just came out these past few weeks and is really the culmination of what Commuter-Assist has worked on this year. The commute need no longer control your life. Now, you can control your commute and your life with this step-by-step program and workbook.

It’s been an exciting year at Commuter-Assist, thanks to you and your great interest in what we offer.

Looking forward to 2007, we have plans to grow our services. Not only will we be writing more, but workshops and programs are in the works. I ask you to please email any suggestions, ideas, criticisms, positive and negative. This is your program and we want you involved in it as much as possible.

The feature article gives some quick tips to keep the holiday commute from getting too difficult.

In the health section, we look at commuting and health and what the New Year can bring if you set some goals.

In the cost cutter section, we discuss saving for the future because the future dictates what our present is like. A strange and confusing concept, isn’t it? What I mean by this is that what our future goals are and what we are striving for in the future will be realized by what we do in the present.

There are some quotes in Something to Think About that might give you pause and prompt you to rethink what the New Year can mean.

This is the last issue of Commuter Chronicles for 2006. We have worked hard to give you value and information you can use. We look forward to serving you in 2007. Look for us in January.

Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and Happy New Year!!

Be well!
Dr. M.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Here comes our new chance to “get it right,” as Oprah says.  My wish for you is that you will find many ways to be pleased with yourself and your getting it right.  

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.”
~Edith Lovejoy Pierce
Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. 
~Oprah Winfrey 

An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.
~ Bill Vaughan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commuter-Assist.com and its services are for commuters and all who love them, work with them, and employ them..

PASS IT ON...

A couple months ago we started our Pass It On campaign and we asked you to help us get Commuter-Assist.com known to those we serve.  We are happy to report that you are hearing our request.

We thank you.  We are very aware that nothing can happen without you .  All are work is for naught without you.

FEATURE ARTICLE

My Life on the Road

“I am a commuter!” Say it loud, say it proud. If it gets you what you want, do embrace the label.

As a Christmas gift, I offer you 11 ways to help you become a more successful commuter.

• Be sure you are commuting for the reasons that are important to you.

• Find ways to make the commute easy.

• Don’t let the commute sap your energy.

• Healthy food intake before, during and after the commute will keep your body and mind in good shape.

• Keep your vehicle in good shape, too.

• If you can, use public transportation.

• Even better, if you can, have a driver.

• Make time for some rest after your commute is done.

• Reevaluate your commute periodically. Is it still worth it?

• Do the people close to you think it’s worth it?

• What can you do to glean more from your commute?

Believe me, just doing a few of these will help end this year on a wonderful note and make your new year a good one.
 
DR. M RECOMMENDS

www.ShareYourRide.net

Check out this website.  It’s for people who are going long distances and want company or need to share expenses.

COST CUTTERS

Plan for Success

Time to assess your finances for 2006 and get ready for annual income taxes.  Reports tell us that 2006 was a boom year for many people.  If you’re one of those, congratulations.  I hope for more of the same next year.

But if the year was not what you expected financially, time to plan what you can do to make 2007 better.

At times we forget that little changes can get big results.  Consistent saving, even of small amounts, can lead to large amounts of money.  Cutting out some waste, and saving that money, is a good way to begin. 

IRAs, 401Ks, mutual funds, real estate, all have a part to play in our financial portfolio. 

Financial advisors and our own education are important and must be part of how we plan for financial success.  With the internet, education is easy.  A warning, though, be aware of the reputation of the advisor.

In you have children, 2007 might be the year to start them on their financial education as well.  A savings account, an allowance, a savings bond, are some ways to get them interested in learning about finance.  

HEALTH TIPS

Air Travel and Your Health

Time to review your physical and emotional health certificate.  It’s not as hard as it sounds, and it can give you a good overview of what you’ve accomplished this year and what you want to work on in 2007.  Here’s a little form that you can fill out to determine how 2006 was.  Some of these measures you may know from your annual check ups, others you can get at the local drug store.

 What is your

  Weight___________________

  Are you overweight__________

  By how much_______________

  Blood Pressure_______________

  Are you taking medication, why___________________________

  What have you done to remedy the need for meds__________________________

  What physical activity do you do regularly_____________________________

 

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Stay tuned for some exciting new things we have in store for 2007.  In the meantime, you can download any of the newsletters or teleconferences you may have missed.

Wouldn't "Conquer the Commute..." be a thoughtful Christmas gift for all your commuter friends?


Dr. Mastria works with individuals and groups and consults to corporations on wellness and life enhancing issues.  Conquering the commute is just one of her interests.  Call her at 570-839-6394 or email her at drm@Commuter-Assist.com to discuss working with her.
 

 

Dr. Mastria is founder of Commuter-Assist.com, which publishes e-books, CDs and cassettes to help commuters get the most out of their commute and life in general.  Dr. Mastria speaks, offers workshops, and consults to businesses.  She also provides life, wellness, and executive and business coaching to groups and individuals.  To contact Dr. Mastria email info@Commuter-Assist.com or call 570-839-6394. 

All content Copyright © 2006, Dr. Marie A. Mastria, CLC, PCC / Commuter-Assist.com. All rights reserved. You may copy or send it to family or friends who may benefit from it so long as the format and credits are intact. You have permission to publish this article electronically, free of charge, as long as the by-lines are included and links are activated and maintained. A courtesy copy of your publication or link to website would be appreciated.

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